Some of these ideas don't really work for RP. (I mean, who wants to RP standing and watching a parade?) Some of them, on the other hand…

The Masquerade ball is a big one. Especially since it is a /masq/ and people will all be in disguise and it opens up opportunities for them that they don't normally have. It also ICly could draw more people to the shadow.

I like the prank/mischief idea, but incorporating it into RP is a little harder, unless we have pranksters at the various scenes. Like someone causing 'trouble' at the masq, or another party. Someone selling masqs for the ball that have /something/ odd about them. Magic or mundane.